Chicago, IL – March 20, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and ETFs featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Shell plc SHEL, Uber Technologies, Inc. UBER, TotalEnergies SE TTE, Geospace Technologies Corp. GEOS and Natural Health Trends Corp. NHTC.
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Shell plc, Uber Technologies, Inc. and TotalEnergies SE, as well as two micro-cap stocks Geospace Technologies Corp. and Natural Health Trends Corp. The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
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Shell’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the past year (+11.3% vs. +6%). The company remains a global leader in liquefied natural gas. Shell leverages its strong LNG position, bolstered by the acquisition of BG Group, to generate consistent earnings by capitalizing on steady demand for this transitional fuel.
Shell’s strategic joint venture in the UK North Sea with Equinor enhances its dominance in the region while aligning with high-value objectives. Meanwhile, the company’s strong free cash flow generation and sustained buybacks reinforce shareholder value.
However, the underperformance of its Renewable segment is a matter of concern. Another concern is the sub-100% reserve replacement ratio, indicating challenges in replenishing produced energy. Sensitivity to oil prices and the rise of EVS are other negative factors. Therefore, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.
(You can read the full research report on Shell here >>>)
Shares of Uber have underperformed the Zacks Internet - Services industry over the past six months (-3.2% vs. -1.2%). The company’s underperformance may be due to fears of market saturation and the possibility of self-driving cars eliminating intermediary services. Uber, which dominates the North American ride-sharing market, is likely to increase its focus on suburban markets to drive growth.
The Zacks analyst remains confident about its ability to combat the challenges with the help of a strong operating model and successful diversification strategy. Even though Uber’s primary business is ride-sharing, it has diversified into food delivery and freight over time. Considering all these factors, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.
(You can read the full research report on Uber here >>>)
TotalEnergies’ shares have declined -5.7% over the past year against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry’s decline of -14.2%. The company’s production might be impacted by security reasons in some regions and it remains exposed to acquisition-related risks as these assets contribute a sizable volume to production. The natural field decline will impact production volumes and lower profits.
Nevertheless, TotalEnergies benefits from contributions coming from startups, acquisitions, well-spread LNG assets and upstream assets located in the new hydrocarbon-producing regions. Multi-energy assets spread across the globe and cost reduction initiatives are benefiting the company.
TotalEnergies’ free cash flow allows it to increase shareholders value. It is investing in clean power generation and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
(You can read the full research report on TotalEnergies here >>>)
Shares of Geospace Technologies have underperformed the Zacks Electronics - Measuring Instruments industry over the past year (-42.5% vs. -2.6%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $94.04 million is facing risks which include rising costs, cash flow deterioration and customer concentration.
Nevertheless, Geospace maintains a strong balance sheet with no debt and $22.1 million in cash and investments, plus a $12.1 million undrawn credit facility. Despite a 25.6% year-over-year revenue decline to $37.2 million in first-quarter fiscal 2025, it posted an $8.4 million net income, aided by a 54.1% gross margin. The Smart Water segment grew 72.1% to $7.3 million, showing promise in municipal and multifamily markets.
Energy Solutions revenues fell 39.2% to $24.3 million, but a $17 million OBX sale and a pending Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) contract offer potential upside. Intelligent Industrial revenues fell 4.1% to $5.6 million. Rising research and development (R&D) investment (up 35.9% year over year) targets growth in seismic, security and smart water solutions.
(You can read the full research report on Geospace Technologies here >>>)
Natural Health Trends’s shares have underperformed the Zacks Consumer Products - Discretionary industry over the past year (-10.8% vs. +11.7%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $58.37 million is witnessing higher freight and incentive costs pressured margins. Active members declined 4.8% to 30,870, raising concerns about engagement.
Expansion into Latin America and new product launches aim to drive growth, but reliance on China, rising costs and regulatory risks remain key challenges. Expansion efforts beyond Asia remain limited. Nevertheless, Natural Health Trends saw a 9% sequential and 7% year-over-year sales increase in Hong Kong, which accounts for 82% of revenues.
Despite this, full-year sales declined 2.2% to $42.9 million due to weakness in Taiwan and North America. The company improved its operating cash flow to $602,000 (before tax payments) but still reported a $3.4 million cash outflow. Cash reserves declined to $43.9 million in 2024 from $56.2 million in 2023. Operating losses narrowed to $1.3 million in 2024 from $1.7 million in 2023.
(You can read the full research report on Natural Health Trends here >>>)
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Geospace Technologies Corporation (GEOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Natural Health Trends Corp. (NHTC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) : Free Stock Analysis Report
TotalEnergies SE Sponsored ADR (TTE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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